Water and oil don’t mix. And as a general rule neither do American oak and cool climate Shiraz. Having said that, Best’s have done an admirable job of producing an exception to that rule.
There’s plenty of sweet vanilla on the nose and coffee is big part of the flavour profile but it is ably matched by essence of plum, blackberry and lighter blue fruits. A bit of regional pepper as well. It’s still very primary although some leather appears with time. I’d be leaving this alone for a while yet. The oak needs to integrate further and I feel there’s still more complexity to come.
For a wine that is stylistically at odds with me, it provides a great deal of pleasure. Very good
Region: Grampians
Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Cork
Price: $45
Tasted: August 2011